The mitochondria is the cell's engine room, or powerhouse. They boast their own set of DNA and produce a unique collection of proteins.

How mitochondria and their distinct ingredients form has remained a mystery. In a new study, however, researchers at the University of Exeter managed to image the mitochondrial protein production process.

The latest analysis showed some ribosomes, tiny protein-making factories, are attached to the mitochondrion inside a cell. These factories push novel proteins across the double membrane-bound organelle.

"We looked for -- and were able to image at unprecedented detail -- ribosomes attached to mitochondria," Vicki Gold, a biochemist and senior lecturer at Exeter, said in a news release.

Gold and her colleagues captured the images using cryo-electron microscopy.

The breakthrough promises to help scientists better understand the mechanisms by which mitochondria arm themselves with the proteins they need to function properly. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified as a potential cause of several diseases, including cancer.

Gold detailed her findings in a new paper published this week in the journal EMBO Reports. She's now aiming to study the mitochondrial protein production process in unhealthy cells.

"Mitochondria are the energy factories of the cell, so when they don't function properly it can lead to a huge range of health problems," she said. "In many cases these are age-related disorders like Parkinson's disease."

"Our findings may help us understand these conditions better, which is an important step towards better treatments," Gold concluded.

Tweet

Bacteria passed from mom to offspring is most beneficial, study shows
Washington (UPI) Jul 17, 2017
New research shows bacteria passed directly across generations, from mom to offspring, are more essential than bacteria acquired from the environment. The study, published this week in the journal Nature Communications, offers scientists a better understanding of bacterial symbiosis. Only a small percentage of bacteria is harmful. Most strains and species are harmless. Some bacte ... read more

Related Links
Darwin Today At TerraDaily.com

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only